Less vs Lesser: What’s the Difference?

Less vs Lesser These two words often cause confusion, but they have distinct uses in English. Less refers to a smaller amount of something uncountable, like “less water” or “less time.

On the other hand, lesser means “not as great as” and is used for comparisons, such as “a lesser-known artist.” While both indicate a reduction, their application differs. Understanding the difference between less vs lesser helps improve your writing and speech.

Many people mistakenly use them interchangeably, leading to grammar errors. This guide will clarify their meanings, usage rules, and examples. Keep reading to master when to use less and when lesser is the correct choice.

Quick Summary

Understanding the difference between Less and Lesser is essential for using them correctly in English. These two words may seem similar, but their meanings and usage are quite different.

Less refers to a smaller amount or degree and is often used with uncountable nouns. Lesser, on the other hand, is an adjective that refers to something of lower rank, importance, or quality.

Many English learners confuse these words and use them incorrectly. This article will explain what is the meaning of Less, what is the meaning of Lesser, and how to use them correctly. We will also look at Less vs Lesser grammar, common mistakes, and examples of Less and Lesser in sentences.

Understanding Less vs Lesser

The difference between Less and Lesser lies in their function. Less is both an adjective and an adverb. It is used for uncountable nouns like water, money, or time.

It is also used to show a lower amount or intensity. For example, “I need less sugar in my tea.”Lesser, however, is strictly an adjective. It does not refer to quantity but to importance, rank, or value.

For example, “This is a lesser-known fact about history.” Here, lesser means not as well known or important.A quick rule to remember: Use “less” for amounts and “lesser” for comparisons of importance or quality.

Origins of the Less

The word less has been part of the English language for centuries. It comes from the Old English word “lēssa,” which means smaller or fewer. Over time, it evolved into a common word used for comparison and quantity.

Linguists have found that less in a sentence has been used in literature and formal writing since the 12th century. It was primarily used for uncountable nouns but later expanded into informal speech for countable nouns, which is still debated in grammar today.

Origins of the Lesser

The word lesser is also derived from Old English. It comes from the term “læssa,” which was a comparative form of less. However, unlike less, it started to take on a meaning related to rank and importance.

The usage of lesser in a sentence became more common in poetry and formal speech. Writers often used it to describe hierarchical differences, such as in the phrase “the lesser of two evils.” This phrase highlights something that is bad, but not as bad as another option.

Less: Definition and Usage

Less Definition

The word less is used to indicate a smaller quantity, amount, or degree. It is also used in comparisons when discussing something that has decreased or reduced.

Less Usage

Less is commonly used with uncountable nouns, such as:

“There is less water in the bottle.”
“She has less patience than her brother.”

It is also used in comparative statements:

“I need less help now than before.”
“This phone costs less money than that one.”

A common mistake is using less with plural nouns. Instead of saying “less people,” you should say “fewer people.” However, in casual speech, many people still say “less people,” even though it is not grammatically correct.

Synonyms of Less

Synonym	Meaning	Example Sentence
Fewer	A smaller number	“We need fewer chairs.”
Lower	Decreased level	“The prices are lower this year.”
Smaller	Reduced in size	“He has a smaller budget.”
Diminished	Weakened	“Her strength is diminished.”
Reduced	Less than before	“The company has a reduced workforce.”
Limited	Not much available	“We have limited options.”
Inferior	Not as good	“This product is inferior in quality.”
Minor	Less significant	“This is a minor issue.”
Slight	Small in degree	“There is a slight difference.”
Scant	Barely enough	“There was scant food left.”

Lesser: Definition and Usage

Lesser Definition

The word lesser is an adjective that means lower in rank, importance, or quality. It is often used in comparisons when discussing something that is not as significant as another.

Lesser Usage

Lesser is used when referring to quality, not quantity. Examples include:

“She played a lesser role in the project.”
“This is a lesser-known tourist destination.”

It can also be used in comparisons, such as:

“This book is considered the lesser work of the author.”
“The lesser evil is still a bad choice.”

Synonyms of Lesser

Synonym	Meaning	Example Sentence
Inferior	Lower in quality	“This brand is inferior to others.”
Weaker	Less powerful	“His argument was weaker.”
Minor	Less significant	“It was a minor problem.”
Secondary	Less important	“She had a secondary role.”
Insignificant	Not important	“His contribution was insignificant.”
Smaller	Lesser in size	“A smaller issue to handle.”
Subordinate	Lower in rank	“He is a subordinate officer.”
Slight	Minimal	“The changes were slight.”
Diminished	Reduced	“His authority is diminished.”
Lower	Less high	“His status is lower now.”

Less vs Lesser Sentences

Less is used for quantity, while lesser is for comparison. Example: “She has less patience” vs. “That is a lesser issue.”

Less vs Lesser Grammar

Use less with uncountable nouns and lesser when comparing significance. “Less sugar” is correct, but “a lesser-known fact” makes sense in comparison.

Less, Lesser – Least

Less = smaller in amount (less money).
Lesser = lower in rank (a lesser-known artist).
Least = the smallest (the least important task).

Less vs Fewer

Use less for uncountable nouns (less milk) and fewer for countable nouns (fewer apples).

Less Than or Lesser Than

Less than is correct (“less than 10 minutes”). Lesser than is incorrect in standard English.

Side by Side Comparison

Feature	Less	Lesser
Part of Speech	Adjective, Adverb	Adjective
Used For	Amount, quantity	Rank, importance
Common Phrase	“Less sugar”	“Lesser-known fact”
Comparative Form	“Less than”	“The lesser of two evils”

Less: Example Sentences

I drink less coffee now.
We have less work this week.
The movie was less interesting than I expected.
He has less energy than before.
There is less pollution in rural areas.
You should eat less salt for better health.
I spent less money on groceries.
The new policy caused less confusion.
She showed less enthusiasm today.
The book was less engaging than the movie.

Lesser: Example Sentences

Here are example sentences using lesser:

She chose the lesser of two evils in a difficult situation.
The artist is talented but still considered a lesser known name in the industry.
A lesser degree of effort will not yield great results.
The second novel received lesser praise than the first one.
He accepted a lesser role in the company to focus on his studies.
The lesser crime still carried a significant penalty.
Among the candidates, she had the lesser experience but the most enthusiasm.
This version of the phone has lesser features than the premium model.
The storm was of lesser intensity than expected.
The movie was good, but it was a lesser success compared to its predecessor.

FAQS:

What is the difference between less and lesser in grammar?

Less refers to quantity, while lesser is used for comparison of importance or degree.

Which is correct, lesser than or less than?

Less than is correct; lesser than is grammatically incorrect.

How do you use lesser?

Use lesser when comparing importance or rank, like “a lesser-known author.”

Is lesser or is less?

Use less for quantity and lesser for comparative significance.

When should I use less?

Use less with uncountable nouns, like “less water” or “less time.”

Conclusion

less vs lesser is key to using them correctly. Less is for uncountable things like “less sugar,” while lesser compares importance or quality, as in “a lesser evil.” Though they seem similar, their meanings differ in context.

Using them properly enhances clarity in writing and speech. Next time you’re unsure, remember: less refers to quantity, and lesser deals with comparison.

Mastering less vs lesser will help you avoid common grammar mistakes and communicate more effectively in English. Keep practicing, and you’ll get it right every time!

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